Graham Norton exclusive: I would take a pay cut to stay at the BBC

It's funny, camp, and something of a guilty pleasure - and so is Eurovision's new host, Graham Norton.

It's funny, camp, and something of a guilty pleasure - and so is Eurovision's new host, Graham Norton.

But despite the song contest's reputation for the ridiculous, the Irish comedian and chat-show king is taking his latest presenting role extremely seriously.

And weeks of researching the entrants for tonight's contest in Moscow have brought him to a startling conclusion about the cheesy songathon. Graham believes that because of the recession there is only one thing worse than losing - and that's winning.

"This year is going to be a very impressive show," says 46-year-old Graham. "The Russians are throwing a great deal of money at it and in this economic climate this might be the last hurrah, so we are going all out.

"It would be great for the mood of the nation if we won. We can go: 'Hooray, we won!' But then it's: 'Oh no, we have to host it next year now'."

Although he is fully behind British entry Jade Ewen with It's My Time - written by Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber, who will accompany her on the piano - there is no getting away from the fact that triumph for Britain tonight could cost us dearly next year. Belttightening is on everyone's mind - including Graham's.

His £5million three-year contract with the BBC ends this year, but he says he is ready to take a pay cut to stay with the channel.

"I would take a pay cut to stay at the BBC, absolutely," insists Graham. "We are all in the same boat, no one is immune from the credit crunch. I am very, very fortunate in that I am well paid to do jobs that I love. So would I do those jobs for less money? Of course I would, absolutely.

"Equally it is my agent's job to get me the best deal possible. If I felt like she dropped the ball I would be annoyed with her.

"You have to make hay while the sun shines and I've been very lucky to have been knocking around for a while. But it doesn't last for ever, so you have to feather your nest while you can."

Money is also on the mind of Lord Lloyd Webber, who says that increasing tax for high earners to 50p in the pound will just make talented people like him flee the country. But Graham is more socially minded.

He says: "Don't get me wrong, I will shed a tear when I write the cheque. But I am lucky, I can afford to pay those taxes. When I have no money, that will be when it is really hard. If I earned all my money in a coal mine then I might not be so happy to give away half of it. The Government needs that money, I have got it - have it."

The last time we met, Graham was happily in a relationship with a man he met in South Africa. But now he describes himself as "single... ish".

"We have broken up," he says, "no it's fine. I do an advice column and I am always getting letters from people who are desperate to find love and a life partner. And I always think you should be happy with yourself first.

"You need to get on with your life and enjoy your own company. Have your friends and if someone comes along to share that with, then that's butter on bacon. These people spending their lives yearning and waiting - it is a real waste.

"If somebody comes along great. And if they don't then I'm not at the window moping, listening to Bob Dylan songs."

Despite his carefree attitude, there is one thing troubling Graham - the prospect of replacing the inimitable Terry Wogan, whose wry ridiculing of the odd acts and shameless block-voting by Eastern European countries made Eurovision such unmissable viewing.

Graham says: "It is incredibly daunting. I can't think in terms of stepping into his shoes as those shoes are too big to fill.

I will just do what I do. Terry didn't want to do it any more so they asked me, and I said yes. I've always enjoyed Eurovision.

I don't take it that seriously. In the end, it's just a singing competition.

"But saying that, our girl Jade is very impressive. She is an incredibly self-contained person. Of all the people who entered the competition to represent Britain at this year's Eurovision, I think she is the bestequipped to cope with the pressure.

"And the pressure is phenomenal, I wouldn't want to do it. To walk out on that stage and sing live... and that song isn't easy.

"Andrew will be more nervous than she is.

He'll be there by the old joanna. I don't think he will be dancing, just sitting at the piano.

"It helps our chances because he is a huge star in Eastern Europe, they are mad about him. So hopefully that will get us a few votes.

"I really care for Jade and Andrew and I hope it is not a disaster. And, well, we can only do better than last year!"

Wogan would sail through the barrage of bizarre acts with the help of Baileys. Graham was planning to see out the show with something stronger, until disaster struck. After hosting the Bafta TV awards in April, he fell over at home and cracked two ribs. He is still on drugs for the pain, which means no booze.

He says:"I was fullsteam ahead with vodka. But now I'm on painkillers and the first thing I saw on the packet was 'avoid alcohol'. I may be startlingly sober at Eurovision."

That might be a good thing as he will have to rein in his risque remarks.

He says: "It doesn't start till 11.30pm in Moscow, but because of the time difference people in Britain will be watching earlier.

" I' ll have to remember that. I will be in latenight mode. Still, the BBC has trusted me to do a lot of live TV and I haven't blotted my copy book. So hopefully I will be all right!"